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Pilates Reformer & Tower Reviews

Last updated on January 15, 2020 By Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT 4 Comments

pilates reformer
As a physical therapist, I at times feel the need to try out different forms of exercise that my patients participate in. I have tried the Pilates mat classes with the hallmark one hundred pulsed repetitions of modified abdominal crunches. Meh.

My fit fifty-something neighbor finally convinced me last month to try “back to back” Pilates classes with her. The first class was to be the “reformer” class, and if I could scrape myself off the ceiling after the first installment, we would continue with the dreaded “tower” class.

I can be a bit of a coward when it comes to trying new things. I have an irrational fear of running out of gas and looking like a fool in front of others in the group. Two classes in a row? Am I man enough?

It turns out the classes are entirely doable. The machines are fun, easy enough to use (with proper instruction), and safe. The reformer machine is likened to a large moveable surfboard with springs, ropes, and cords attached to it. I was informed by a patient that the prototypical versions of the reformer were cleverly devised from bed frames and bed springs decades ago in military hospitals. Apparently during times of war, you have to make do with what is available to you.

Below is YouTube video demonstrating the Pilates Reformer exercises.

Various pulling and pushing motions are done with the arms and legs while the body is balanced on the board. Resistances are variable. The reformer can challenge the very strong and fit as well as the sedentary neophyte. Some of the exercises do require a base amount of balance, so I would recommend that those of us who are equilibrium challenged seek some modification and guidance from the instructor.

By the end of the reformer class, I had worked up a sweat, and I did feel some healthy muscle fatigue in the legs and core. There were a few exercises that involved kneeling on the board, which I consider a healthy challenge to maintain position while pulling through resistance.

After a five-minute rest, it was time for the tower.

Behind the movable board of the reformer was an upright metal rack with a movable horizontal bar with yet more resistance cords attached. With the tower, most of our movements were performed in the upright position. With some exercises we were moving our arms and legs through motions with our bodies in a fixed position on the horizontal board. With other exercises we were using our arms and legs to push our bodies back and forth on the movable horizontal board.

Below is YouTube video demonstrating the Pilates Tower exercises.

All in all I am a fan of both the reformer and the tower. These classes are appropriate both for high-level training as well as for beginner work. The movements in these classes were fluid, not abrupt. The ranges of motion that the joints go through are entirely doable for just about anybody. I would even recommend this form of exercise to patients with knee or hip replacements. A good Pilates instructor can easily modify certain exercises as needed to account for any restrictions that these post-operative patients might have.

Try a class at your local studio. You might get hooked.

Filed Under: Exercise & Fitness



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About Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT

Dan is a licensed Physical Therapist in the District of Columbia, license #PT2916. He has a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Dan specializes in sports medicine & upper extremity rehabilitation. He is a Certified Hand Therapist, certified by the American Society of Hand Therapists (initial certification date 11/6/2004, certification #1041100023). Dan has extensive continuing education in manual therapy from the Michigan State University School of Osteopathic Medicine.
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Discussion

  1. Steve says

    December 4, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    Dan, I’m currently in PT for supraspinatus tendinopathy (with a small tear) and a torn labrum. We’re hoping to avoid surgery. I do about 45 minutes of shoulder exercises 3 times a week as part of my home program (mostly with bands and light (2-5 pounds) weights). I’ve been going to PT twice a week and will soon start to go once per week. I got two cortisone shots (one in the subacrmion space and the other in the front of my shoulder) that reduced but did not eliminate all symptoms.

    Do you think it would be OK to add some Pilates or would that be too much at this point?

    I want to avoid surgery but I’m tired of the pain.

    Thanks,

    Steve

    Reply
    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      December 6, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      If the exercises are kept below shoulder level, it would be worth trying. Nothing crazy, no overhead pushes, and listen to what your body is telling you. Stop if anything gets sharp.

      Reply
  2. Kathy says

    August 27, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Dan, I am 1 1/2yrs post TKR . Is there anything I should avoid using a reformer? Do you know any YouTube or other videos that would be appropriate with a TKR? I’ve had 10 years prior to my surgery of using a reformer and would like to get back to it. Glad you like your Pilates experience. It’s addictive!

    Reply
    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      August 27, 2017 at 6:28 pm

      I do like reformers, and I do think that if you used a light resistance and started with basic pressing motions you should be fine. If you are taking a reformer class, you should be able to find an instructor who is knowledgable enough to start you off slowly and wisely. There are some PT clinics out there that have reformers: it could also be an option to schedule a visit in that type of setting and get some good ideas.

      Reply

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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for Educational Purposes Only and is not designed to diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any health conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated statements about these health topics or any suggested product compositions. Answers to questions submitted are merely the opinion of the physical therapist and should not be taken as a prescribed course of action. Any advice given by the therapist must be cleared with the treating physician involved in direct patient care. The person posing the question absolves the responder of any liability in regards to opinions given. PhysioDC insists that all patients receive approval from a prescribing physician prior to starting a structured exercise program involving any of the exercises included on this site. PhysioDC.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com; proceeds from product sales help cover the operational & maintenance costs for the site.